Campaign for Love and Forgiveness

WQPT is participating in a community project called The Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, a reading, viewing, listening and discussion series spearheaded by the Bettendorf Public Library.

WQPT will air two PBS documentaries: The Mystery of Love on Tuesday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, January 30, at 8:00 p.m., as well as The Power of Forgiveness on Tuesday, March 10, at 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. The programs were produced by The Fetzer Institute as part of a national focus on how forgiveness can effect positive change in individuals and communities.

Additional activities will include a poetry reading by Li-Young Li, reflections on the Amish tragedy by author Donald Kraybill, programming on WVIK 90.3 FM and book discussions with St. Ambrose professors, Dr. Michael Hustedde, Dr. Nancy Hayes and Dr. Bea Jacobson.

For more information on the Love & Forgiveness project and related events, contact the Bettendorf Library at 563/344-4175 or e-mail info@bettendorflibrary.com.

Champagne on the Rocks

As you might imagine events like Champagne on the Rocks and Brew Ha Ha raise additional funds for the station. Events like these not only raise capital for the station, they also help promote awareness of WQPT throughout the region.

Now in its 8th year, Champagne on the Rocks , sponsored by The National Bank will be held on Friday, January 30 at The Outing Club in Davenport. The event features two chances to win a diamond, from our Diamond Sponsor Expression Jewelers, a musical salute to Hollywood, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions.

You can preview the auction items online—there's something for everyone—including a John Deere Snow Thrower, an evening cruise on the Mississippi River, vacation packages and much more.

This year's event will feature a variety of outstanding items to bid on, including a John Deere Snow Thrower, destination packages to Florida, Lake Geneva and other great locations.

Another Success

As you probably know, WQPT is donor-supported community television. We exist because of the generosity and loyalty of people such as you. You can be assured that your donation will be managed wisely to support WQPT's vital programs and community services.

Our December Membership Campaign was successful because of viewers like you, our phone bank volunteers (including the individuals shown above), our staff who select the special programming you see on air, our studio staff and our Membership staff who process memberships and thank you gifts. We're also very fortunate to have food sponsors, who provide food and beverages for our volunteers—those sponsors include Texas Roadhouse, Hardee’s, Sonic Drive-In, A.D. Huesing and Popcorn Charlie.

Our volunteer groups who answered the telephones included the Student Recreation Association from Western Illinois University and our WQPT Friends Volunteers. We are grateful for your time and generosity.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or a new member—we want you to thank you—as you helped to ensure our mission as a valuable regional resource—by helping to make our December Membership Campaign a success. No matter your level of support, you do make a difference.

Play Safe, Stay Safe

WQPT is providing safety boxes, funded by the ALCOA Foundation, to early childhood programs throughout our broadcast area. Called Play Safe, Stay Safe, the boxes are filled with activity ideas, books and games on fire, wheel and poison safety for kids in preschool and early elementary programs as well as information to send home to parents. Kids will also enjoy the DVD’s from Danger Rangers and Seemore’s Playhouse, two PBS programs that teach children good safety habits and tips through storytelling and music.

WQPT is partnering with the Child Abuse Council and the American Red Cross on the project, and their staff will be offering Play Safe, Stay Safe workshops throughout the community. “These boxes will empower caregivers with fun activities and practical information on safety issues,” said Kathy Graver, Community Education Coordinator for the Child Abuse Council, “and encourage kids to take responsibility in their own homes. We are very excited about all the resources WQPT has made available.

Read more about this Play Safe, Stay Safe initiative.

We extend our appreciation to ALCOA and all of our regional sponsors of WQPT's mission—thank You.

Celebrating Our Past—and Looking Forward

A Message from WQPT's General Manager—Rick Best

Our 25th Anniversary on November 3, 2008 provided an opportunity to look back and marvel at the hard work and tenacity of the original board members, the Friends of 24 and Black Hawk College visionaries that
made WQPT possible.

Over the past 25 years, we have been blessed with the support of countless volunteers and loyal friends who continually rose to the occasion and helped us expand our reach beyond the Quad Cities, from Clinton to Muscatine—from Galesburg to Sterling/Rock Falls and all points in between.

As we begin plans for the coming 25 years, we want to take this opportunity to say thank you. Those two words are filled with enormous gratitude and we are reminded daily that we can’t do this alone. This public broadcasting enterprise is only possible because of YOU and your support.

We are honored by your generosity, and from all of us at WQPT, we extend our sincerest wishes for a most happy and joyful holiday season.